Salem's Fall: A Dark Psychological Thriller

by Rektok Ross, Leslie Howard (Narrator)

A hotshot young attorney. An enigmatic billionaire accused of murder. To uncover the truth, she’ll have to play his game—and try not to fall in love with the devil.

James Woodsen is used to being underestimated. Top of her class at Harvard Law, she’s brilliant, beautiful, and now the youngest female associate at Boston’s most elite criminal defense firm. But after a devastating misstep on her first case, she has one last shot at redemption. Her assignment? Defend Damien Blackhollow—a dangerously charming billionaire accused of murdering his fiancée.

When James follows the trail to a small New England town with a dark history, she realizes this case is far more twisted than she ever imagined. Alone in Salem’s Fall with her trusted black cat, she uncovers Damien’s haunting family legacy with ties to a secret society and a pattern of ritualistic murders. James begins to wonder if she's defending a monster... or worse, falling for one. As Halloween looms and the bodies pile up, James fears that losing this case doesn't just mean her career—it means her life.

The Silence of the Lambs meets Labyrinth in this dangerously addictive blend of twisty psychological thriller, legal suspense, and gothic dark romance—perfect for fans of Verity, Haunting Adeline, and The Housemaid .

Genres: Thriller, Halloween, Horror, Romance, Mystery Thriller, Mystery, Dark Romance

Audible Audio

First published August 1, 2025

About the author

Liani Kotcher (writing as Rektok Ross) is a trial attorney turned award-winning and bestselling author, screenwriter, and producer. An avid reader since childhood, Liani writes exactly the kind of books she loves to escape into herself: exciting thrillers with strong female leads, swoonworthy love interests, and life-changing moments. She graduated from the University of Florida School of Journalism and obtained her juris doctorate at the University of Miami School of Law. Originally from South Florida, she currently splits her time between San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Las Vegas with her husband, step kids, and her dogs. She is the recipient of several awards, including the American Fiction Awards, IAN Book of the Year Awards, Readers’ Favorite Book Awards, the Chanticleer Dante Rossetti Book Awards, and Women Writing the West. Her debut young adult thriller Ski Weekend was named a “best book” of the year by Cosmopolitan, Entertainment Weekly, Parade, BookRiot, Yahoo!Life, Brit + Co., BookTrib, J-14, and more and is currently in development for a major motion picture. You can find her online just about anywhere at @RektokRoss, as well as on her website, www.RektokRoss.com, where she blogs about books and writing.

You can find her online just about anywhere at @RektokRoss, as well as on her website, www.RektokRoss.com, where she blogs about books and writing.

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Reviews

[Debra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rektok Ross continues to dazzle, thrill, chill, spook, and creep me out and I love every second of it!!!! Salem's Fall is a gripping, atmospheric, eerie, horrific, and hard to put down book. I enjoyed the multifaceted characters, the plot, and the search for the truth! I enjoyed how the tension built as the book got closer to the end. If you have not read a book by Rektok Ross before, do yourself a favor and grab a copy, you will not be disappointed!

James Woodsen who was top of her class at Harvard Law and is trying to make a name for herself at a law firm in Boston. When Damien Blackhollow, a handsome and charismatic billionaire is accused of murdering his fiancée, James might be able to finally make a name for herself - but it won't be easy. She and her Cat, travel to Salem Falls, a small town outside of Boston with a dark history. As she gets to know Damien better, she learns that his family has a dark legacy and soon there are those in her life warning her away from the case....

I enjoyed the dark elements in this book along with the talk of a secret society and a family with a dark legacy. This alone brought on the thrills and chills that I was looking for. I also enjoyed James's search for the truth, her unwillingness to back down and her drive. Damien is also an interesting character. Those around him seem to die in ritualistic ways, yet he tells James that she can trust him. While reading, I kept going back and forth with my thoughts on whether he could be trusted or not. I loved the uncertainty this brought to the table along with the smoldering chemistry between James and Damien.

Salem's Fall had so many elements that I enjoy in books: mystery, tension, secrets, suspense, the feelings of dread and danger, intriguing characters, some chemistry between characters, and chilling moments. I also enjoyed the pacing, the well thought out plot, the wonderful writing, and supernatural element in Salem's Fall.

Rektok Ross blew me away with her book, Summer Rental, and has shown that she is still here to stay! This is the third book I have read by this author, and she always delivers! I can't wait to read what she writes next!

Thank you to Ic13 Books and NetGalley who provided me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All the thoughts and opinions are my own.

Read more of my reviews at www.openbookposts.com 📖

[Bre · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book had me fighting for my life, y’all. The FMC kept reminding us she’s “so smart and hardworking” while making the kind of choices that had me yelling at the page like it was a horror movie. 🚩 Same convo on a loop, every single character warning her away, and sis just said: “thanks for the advice, but imma ignore it.”
Romance? More like pick a man, any man. The choices were abundant but I didn’t see the spark with any of them. The ending finally went ✨chaotic good✨ but then left half the plot threads dangling in the breeze.
The saving grace? Buddy reading with a friend so we had a blast picking it apart together. Without that, I don’t think I would’ve made it through.
⭐️⭐️
If you love messy heroines and don’t mind unresolved threads, this might work for you more than it did for me.

[✨️ Jessica's Bookshelf ✨️ · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars
Salem's Fall immediately drew me in and had me hooked right up until the end. The ending fell a little flat for me though. This was still an entertaining read. I didn't hate the ending but I guess I expected more. It was just a bit anticlimactic.

[Morgan Batze · Rating 1 out of 5]

The FMC has zero personality, she reiterates multiple times throughout the book that’s she’s so beautiful that no one believes she’s actually smart…… Maybe that’s because she’s very dumb. I’m not sure why we’re calling this a dark romance because there’s zero chemistry between the FMC and MMC. He’s literally in a satanic cult that has ruined her life but he’s super hot so it’s fine. I need to stop taking book recs from tik tok.

[Krystal Sullivan · Rating 1 out of 5]

Awkward writing, weird-stalker vibes, genuinely dumb FMC...I just cant not stand another minute thinking about this book.

[Heather myfriendsdontread · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a super fun, bingeable, and spooky Halloween inspired thriller.

We follow our FMC, James, as she tries to find answers in Salem’s Fall for the high profile trial of a mysterious billionaire accused of murder, and her own family’s dark history. The whole story is a count down to Halloween after she discovers that another murder may or may not take place.

It has spooky witch trial stories, secret occult rituals, an autumnal atmosphere, and a lovable black cat.

It was so much fun! I particularly loved how Salem’s Fall is clearly inspired by Salem, but that Ross created a new town with its own unique history and atmosphere. It allowed me to escape into the story more.

I was also very impressed by the story’s meticulous attention to the legal world—the intricacies of the law, the inner workings of law firms, and the nuanced realities of handling a case of this magnitude. I was so curious how Rektok Ross was about to pull that off until I read in the authors note that she was a trial attorney before becoming an author. 😂 It definitely shows!

After this book and Spring Harvest, Rektok Ross has cemented herself as an auto buy author for me.

Also, shout out to whoever designs her book covers because I’m obsessed with them.

[Danielle Graham · Rating 3 out of 5]

You know how when you're watching a scary movie and you're yelling at the MC for doing stupid stuff the whole time? That's this book.

[Lauren.booksalways · Rating 2 out of 5]

Had great potential but feel pretty flat after the 30% mark. The FMC kept repeating how intelligent she was but continued to make the worst decisions….I was simply baffled.

This definitely reads more like comedic suspense novel with a poor attempt at secretly societies…if you’re in the mood for a mindless read and some giggles then give it a whirl.

[Alana · Rating 1 out of 5]

Now what in the hell was this?! We’re just not going to get any answers about the murders? But I’m supposed to believe that the dumbest lawyer known to man is going to ride off into the sunset with the ~ billionaire, wannabe cult leader - because he offered to sacrifice himself for her since they’re sooooo in love?

Be so for real right now.

[NatBooks · Rating 1 out of 5]

Its horribly written, and definitely NOT a thriller.
It's as if Freida McFadden decided to write a billionaire romance novel lol
girl be so for real with this shit.

[Ancelin George · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book wasn’t a thriller at all! The plot involved human sacrifice and witchcraft💀 I wasn’t a fan of the writing style, and it was actually torture to get through this book

[Curri · Rating 1 out of 5]

The fact that this book has such a high average rating is wild.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Spooky Thrillers!

This story was an intense & suspenseful ride and I absolutely loved it! James’s law firm is asked to represent hot shot, gorgeous billionaire mogul Damien Blackhollow after being accused of murdering his fiancé. When she (yes James is a she) begins digging into the case, she realizes that this case is hitting way to close to home as she is still dealing with her own traumas from her past!

I absolutely loved James character! She was resilient and “held her own” despite working in a male predominant industry as a lawyer. She dealt with the “this is a man’s world” debauchery almost daily, yet her strength never wavered. This story brought the perfect amount of suspense, thrills, and a supernatural element that just added the icing on the cake. Rektok Ross’s descriptive scenes during some of those intense moments were perfectly detailed to make you feel as though you were watching the scenes play out. I also loved Jamie and Maddie’s relationship. This sister duo did not play about each other and I love how they have managed to stick together all these years, despite a troubling childhood. Although the story had countless heart palpitating moments, James managed to still have moments of self discovery despite literally fighting for her life.. Despite this, my favorite character was Lucky, yes the cat 🐈‍⬛ 🤷🏽‍♀️. I absolutely loved Lucky and this is what you call an emotional support pet.

If you enjoy well written thrillers with morally gray characters, supernatural elements and love Halloween, I would certainly recommend this story. Although I will not be attending Veil night lol, this story has made me want to abandon my current TBR and read the other standalones in the dark seasons thriller series. Thank you to Storygramtours and Rektok Ross for my amazing bookmail & advanced reader copy!

[Christine M in Texas (stamperlady50) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salem’s Fall
By: Rektok Ross
Pub Date: August 5, 2025
Publisher: Ic13 Books
Shared with: Thriller Book Lovers THE PUSLE

I am a fan of this author and enjoy her books. I love Halloween settings and this one was haunting, and filled with scenarios from a community trying to save their yearly rituals. But on this day, there is always sacrifices which involve murder.

James Woodsen is a young associate with a Boston firm who gets to defend Damien Blackhollow. He has been accused of murdering his fiancée. He is charming, but dangerous. James and Damien are drawn to each other and their chemistry is undeniable, BUT it might come with a price.

I was blown away with the first reveal, and let me say they just kept coming. James has a cat named Lucky! Does Lucky live up to the name? All the Halloween vibes.

[Victoria Franklin · Rating 4 out of 5]

The perfect spooky season read to get you in the mood for fall! This was my first book by Rektok Ross, and it definitely won’t be my last.

James Woodsen is the youngest female associate at Boston’s most prestigious criminal defense firm, and she’s determined to prove herself—especially when one of the biggest cases in the firm’s history lands in her lap.

Her client? Damien Blackhollow a billionaire who’s as magnetic and charming as he is mysterious. He’s accused of murdering his fiancée, and James is committed to uncovering the truth. But as she digs deeper, the tension between them becomes impossible to ignore.

Her search for answers takes her to Salem Falls, where she finds herself entangled in a world of secret societies, ritualistic murders, and shocking connections she never saw coming.

Rektok Ross delivers a gripping, atmospheric story that hooked me from the very first page and never let go. This is a must read for spooky season, and I can’t wait to dive into more of her books!

[Apryl (inmybookishgirlera) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was the perfect spooky thriller! It had so many elements that I love..mystery, suspense, secrets, tension, and some chemistry. Even tho it started out a bit on the slower side, it quickly picked up and I couldn’t put it down! The pacing was good, the plot and story was well thought out and I loved the supernatural element to it. This was my first book by this author and I enjoyed her writing. Will def be reading more of her books! 4⭐️

[Lisa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was just meh. I wanted more from the ending and I thought James was downright annoying and power hungry. I also didn't like the sprinkling of romance in it and how it resulted in the veil plot/storyline being weak.

[Aly Raye · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was absolute trash. Character development sucked. The premise was promising but never delivered. Waste of time.

[Stacy40pages · Rating 5 out of 5]

Salem’s Fall by Rektok Ross. Thanks to the author for the gifted copy and adorable PR package ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

James Woodson only wants to succeed at her law firm but is often underestimated. The newest case, defending the famous Damien Blackhollow could make her career. But there’s a family legacy and secret hidden behind the case.

This was such a fun read, adding a little Halloween in July to my life! It’s a fast read and the pages fly. I especially loved it because I visited Salem last fall, so I could really visualize the atmosphere and history behind the story. The legal investigation behind it was fun and I loved the main character AND her cat. We often get dog characters, but in this story the black cat is fitting! The ending was perfect, romantic and open to a possible sequel.

“He may look pretty and respectable, but there’s a really monster hidden under all that gloss.”

Salem’s Fall comes out 8/5.

[Katy Fann · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the vibes of this book but the story was just kind of mid for me. And I couldn’t stand the FMC.

[Mikhala · Rating 1 out of 5]

this book made me mad

about 50% of the way through, it was a solid 3 star, then around 80% it became a 2 star, then by the end I had to convince myself not to give it 1 star because I have, I fact, read worse books than this


all the characters piss me off. ALL the characters are complete dumbasses.

I think this would've been better and more enjoyable if more time to not only learn about the story but experience the "romance" if everything had been given more time and the book was a bit longer. it felt more like being told what I don't know in a fast paced setting rather than actually being told a story

and I'm sorry, but I personally feel a book can't be categorized and promoted as a "romance" if the MMC is actually only in like half the chapters???

not the ending I was hoping for as I honestly have more questions than answers at this point, but if you like creepy shit and something quick a spooky to read right now then sure, why not?

UPDATE:
this book doesn't deserve 2 stars lol

[Christi Ford · Rating 2 out of 5]

So much to say about this book… James is the attorney you would beg to never have on your case. A dumber version of Elle Woods. Her and her “undeniable connection” with every man she comes into contact with had me rolling my eyes every few chapters. I lost count of how many times she was told to leave down and she just continued to blindly run into danger while having no idea what she was doing. Wash, rinse, repeat every 20 pages until the end of the book. The side character of the professor?? So random and brought nothing to the story. The dad in prison being brought into the sorry (especially at the end)?? Pointless. Quinn being ready to give up his high power attorney job for her when she literally has the personality of a cardboard box? No sir. Then she just walks into the sunset with a walking red flag?? Cannot deal. This book may be for some people but it wasn’t for me 😅

[Marissa.Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first spooky season read of the year and this one is going to be hard to top!

The pacing of this book was perfection, I’m not typically a thriller reader, but this was the perfect mix of thriller, secret society and some dark romance elements, with a deliciously morally grey love interest, who happens to be on trial for the murder of his fiancée, as well as her client, so he should be off limits.

Our FMC, James, gives Elle Woods vibes, graduating top of her class from Harvard, but after a small mistake in her last case she’s out to prove herself. So when the case of a lifetime falls in her hands she’s on a mission to get to the bottom of it, even if it puts her own life at risk. Something about this case hits close to home, and now she needs answers.

Damion Blackwood, billionaire with a capital B, seems to be unbothered about the accusations against him, and he’s determined to keep James close, but his intentions are unknown. James has complicated feelings towards Damion, did he really do it, or are there darker forces at play here.

I was so immersed in this world, taking place in Salem’s Fall, with a weird cult, and strange rituals, and a mystery that had be eagerly turning pages, this was the perfect start to spooky season reads, and an absolute must read!

Thank you so much Rektok Ross for the gifted copy in exchange for my honest review.

[Brittany · Rating 4 out of 5]

James Woodson is the youngest associate at her law firm in Boston. After a misstep at work, James goes from rising star to being put on work memos. But James is given the chance to redeem herself with their newest client, the charming billionaire, Damien Blackhollow. Damien is accused of killing his fiancée, her body found covered in occult symbols. Her investigation leads James to Salem’s Fall, where she starts to uncover a dark past of the Blackhollow family, and Damien following James at every turn. When James finds a family connection to the events occurring in Salem’s Fall, James discovers that she must find the true killer before she is next.

This is the perfect thriller for Fall. I loved the Halloween setting of Salem’s Fall and the paranormal aspect connected to the murders. There is even an adorable black cat named Lucky. James’s investigation kept me guessing and was a rollercoaster of twists and turns. I loved how strong James was as a character, and the chemistry she had with Damien was electric. Overall, this was a great murder mystery with a paranormal twist.

Thank you to NetGalley and Ic13 Books for the opportunity to review Salem's Fall. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lauren Lara · Rating 2 out of 5]

Smut Talk Besties Book Club October Pick! Come join the book club on FB!

This book says it’s a thriller but is lacked elements of a real thriller. I would say it’s more a dark closed door romance. Love triangle, forced proximity with stalker vibes. Cute for fall but definitely lacking. Not sure of what but it’s significant.

[Rachel Browning · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Salem’s Fall” by Rektok Ross is a suspense-filled thriller with a chilling mix of paranormal and horror that kept me hooked from beginning to end. The atmosphere is eerie and intense, the plot full of tension, secrets, and twists that pull you deeper into the mystery with every page. I absolutely loved the book—even if I wanted to strangle James more than once! She’s stubborn to a fault and just refuses to listen to reason, which made for some seriously frustrating (but compelling) moments. This is one of those books you pick up and suddenly it's hours later because you simply can't put it down. A thrilling ride with just the right amount of supernatural edge.

[BookstagramSam · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fall vibes, cults, witches, and bingeable. Do I need to say more??

James Woodsen is a young and smart associate at a high profile law firm. She messed up on her first case and is now getting redemption by working on a defense case for a billionaire accused of murdering his fiancée.

James is willing to do whatever it takes to uncover the truth and prove she is the right one for this case.

This book was a fun one to read and def out just in time for spooky season!!

Thank you Liani and NetGalley for the advanced reader copy!

[Aja · Rating 2 out of 5]

this book was entertaining until the end. this book started off good then went down hill. I feel the FMC was also incredibly gullible especially after it was mentioned she was the in the top of her Harvard class she also just couldn’t make up her mind about what boy she wanted to pick it just felt all rushed and forced. It was also super predictable. May be the book for you but was not the book for me.

[Danielle Strona · Rating 5 out of 5]

The way I absolutely devoured this book should be illegal. Salem’s Fall will have you flipping the pages and foaming at the mouth to find out what happens next! As soon as I heard that it’s set in New England, there is a black cat (I love black cats!!!), and it had Silence of the Lambs vibes, I was all in.

The story follows James, who was at the top of her class at Harvard. She now works at a firm in Boston and is the youngest one at her company. When she’s suddenly thrown on a case that involves the Blackhollow family, James knows that this is her chance to prove herself. She is now working on a case trying to defend Damien Blackhollow, who is a charming billionaire who’s been accused of killing his fiancée. Soon, James follows a lead to a small New England town, where she starts to uncover more than she bargained for. With Damien following her every move, ensuring she’s safe, and taking care of her, James doens’t know what to think. But soon, she finds out exactly why she’s been asked to be on this case and learns more about her own family.

I loved James’ character. She was so determined and confident in herself. She tries hard at her company to prove that she’s not just going to sleep her way to the top. When she was investigating, she was always following her hunch, and I know I wouldn’t be able to do that if I were in her position. I would always question myself and wonder if I had made the right choices. I loved how much she cared for the people in her life. James would do anything to keep the people close to her safe. She’s so caring and selfless.

When I first started reading this book, I didn’t like James’ sister that much. She was so annoying. She was always begging for money and just felt kind of annoying. I felt bad for James because she works so hard, and her relationship with her sister didn’t seem that strong; it felt like James had to say yes to her all the time because of guilt. Towards the end of the book, I felt that things had changed, and you could tell that James and her sister cared about each other so much, and her sister had grown on me.

I loved the pacing of this book! It was so quick, and the story progressed at a nice pace. The story will have you hooked right from the first couple of pages. There is a lot of action throughout the book, and there aren’t any dull moments. By the end of each chapter, you will be flipping the page to find out what happens next. Once I started putting together more of the pieces in the story, I couldn’t stop reading. I needed to know what was going to happen to James and Damian. When James went to talk to Damian’s brother, omggg I wanted her to stay longer and figure out EVERYTHING.

Overall, this was a great book, 5/5 stars!

[Elle G. Reads · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay read for me. I like the authors writing style but her characters (who are supposed to be adults) came off very juvenile. James the FMC for example was particularly insufferable. But the idea of the story was intriguing so I kept reading. But once we get towards the end things start to get really weird. I don't know what I was expecting but it wasn't all that. What a strange book!